When the sun is low

The birds are hushed and drowsy

My soul is at rest

The view from the roof

Is of bright sea and islands.

Today is golden

Wake for the sunrise,

Take the morning cup outside,

The flowers unfold...

I remember my mother

cleaning her carpets

by turning them upside down

on the snow

What could be a treat for your heart's delight?
Could it be as insubstantial
As a feather
Floating slowly down
On its own meander
To your outstretched hand?

Or a pure note
From the lark
Glad to be alive
And high up above us on a fine day
Or the volley of tunes from the robin
Serenades of welcome
Tumbling from the tree near your house.

What else is a treat for you.
More yes, less no
More music, less mayhem
More peace of mind.

Father and daughter

It's very hot at midday on the sand

Look to your sisters, daughter

See they are shaded

They have each other

  And their Ayah

I want to ride that camel, father

Well wear your sunshade hat, daughter

Darling daughter weep for your mother

Care for your little sisters

They are twins, they have each other

But I will be their little mother

We will go over the sea, daughter

Over the water

What will we do there, over the sea, father?

Will it be warm there?

No, it is colder over the water

But we will bring our Ayah

Can I ride a horse there father?

Or something other?

We will play tennis, my daughter

Like I taught you

I will live at the workplace quarters

Since my back hurts, daughter

Not with us, my father?

No, you and your sisters

Will have this house and a keeper

To feed you and love you

My dark-eyed, dark-haired daughters

Like your beautiful mother before you